The late Kilkenny lady Lena Saunders had a great sense of fun and adventure

The peaceful death occurred recently of Lena Saunders (née Comerford), Mantingstown, Callan. She passed away, surrounded by her loving family, at St Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny on July 25.

The following is the eulogy delivered by Lena’s son, Billy, at Lena’s Requiem Mass at The Church of Our Lady, Coolagh:
Thank you all so very much for your incredible support over the past few days. We have been truly overwhelmed by your kind messages, visits from neighbours, and the many offers of help. It has meant the world to us.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE NEWS FROM CALLAN

Over the past few months we noticed a decline in Mam’s health. After her extended stay in hospital, it was her wish to come home to Mantingstown.

I cannot thank my wife Anne enough for the love and care she showed our mother. Though her time living with us was only eight weeks, it was clear how much she enjoyed the company of Ruth, Claire and James, and the visits she had from Jenny, Mikie and Elena, and the many family and friends that came to visit. Mam loved being at the heart of things and loved being surrounded by her family.

Mam grew up in Balleven, Ballycallan with her beloved siblings Mary-Ellen, Joan and Betty all of whom have sadly predeceased her, and her brother Tom who is with us here today. She had found memories of her childhood in Ballycallan.
She met my father Mick Saunders at a dance in Kilkenny - he won her heart. Mam and Dad married in 1966 and went on to raise a family - myself (Billy), Eamonn, Ann and Michael.

In March 1990 our world changed forever when our sister Ann was taken from us far too soon. It was a devastating time, especially for Mam. Later after the death of her nephews Vincent and Frank and her daughter in law Traci, it was as if she relived Anne’s passing all over again with each death. She began to speak more often about Ann and the life she never got to fully experience, she saw different mannerisms in her grandchildren that made her think of Ann. But Mam also took comfort in knowing that Ann had saved lives as an organ donor.

Mam had a great sense of fun and adventure; she loved being involved in everything and never passed up a chance to break from routine. Right up until a few months ago, she was still driving, often found along a back road visiting someone she knew ‘or selling more Mount Carmel draw tickets’.

Though she was hearing impaired, Mam never left that stop her enjoying music and singing. She loved being part of the choir and would often break into song in the kitchen, often much to the delight and laughter of her grandchildren.
Mam absolutely adored her grandchildren, they brought her so much joy and energy. She loved the drama, the banter, the little fights; it was all part of life to her, and she got such a kick out of their sense of humour.

She was always sewing. If you stood still long enough, you would likely end up with a button stitched or a hem adjusted. Her catchphrases, like ‘suffering ducks’ and ‘Oh wow!’ still ring in our ears.

Mam had a deep love for her community. She looked forward every year to the Old Coolagh pattern, cherishing the laughter and friendships it brought. She was also a proud and active supporter of Mount Carmel. She was especially proud of her high ticket sales for the annual draw - she was bursting to win the promoters’ prize each time - and wore this as a badge of honour.

One of her final outings in fact was to attend the Mount Carmel draw with thanks to Elaine Bryan. Mam had such a great day there and of course she visited Pat O’Brien Hair Salon last Friday for her weekly blow-dry. Last Sunday, Mam spent a lovely day at Michael’s house, where she dined in style with Michael, Linda, Eamonn, Deirdre, Jennie, Mikey and Elena.

Mam was a big GAA fan and was incredibly proud of all her grandchildren’s sporting achievements’, Sunday she watched the All-Ireland hurling final.

On behalf of Mam’s family, the Comerfords and the Saunders, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to our neighbours, friends and extended family. A special word of thanks to Mam’s sister-in-law Peggy, her brother-in-law Tommy, all her nieces and nephews, especially Liam, Rose and Sinead, and her wonderful neighbours John and Lily Corrigan and their grandson Ryan.

We are also grateful to Dr O’Dee, Fr Dalton, Callan and Coolagh Choir, St Luke’s Hospital and our great neighbours for the parking last night and today and to the carers who supported Mam with such kindness in her final weeks. Your care meant so much to her and to us.

And so, Mam I’ll finish by saying, I hope you’re catching up on all the gossip with Dad and our beloved Anne. I can just imagine your face lighting up and the first words out of your mouth being ‘Oh Wow’.
Thank you for everything, Mam. You will be truly missed. Rest in peace.

Predeceased by her husband Michael, daughter Ann, sisters Mary Ellen, Joan and Betty and daughter-in-law Traci, Lena is survived by her sons Billy, Eamon and Michael; brother Tom; daughters-in-law Annie, Deirdre and Michael’s partner Linda; grandchildren Ruth, Claire, James, Elena, Jenny and Mikey; brothers-in-law Tommy and Séan; sister-in-law Peggy; nieces; nephews; relatives; neighbours and many friends.
- BS